Sunday, June 19, 2011

Family

Family. Is there an exact definition to this? I have been thinking alot about my family lately, both my family I grew up in and my little family I have created. This weekend has really got me thinking and a little emotional.

Today is my mom's 50th Birthday. We got up early this morning and my brother, dad, mom and I went on a tandem bike ride up the canyon. None of us have ever been tandem bike riding and it was really fun. I rode with my brother and we were laughing non stop. One thing with tandem bike riding is that you either trust or learn to trust the other person on the bike. He was in front and I couldn't see ahead so I hoped and prayed he was watching the path. My sister and her girls, sis-in-law and brother and of course, my little girl, were waiting for us with breakfast at a park. We hung out for a little while and than rode back. As I sat around the table I thought about our family. Is this what my Mom thought her reality would be like at 50? Is this the family she wanted? We definitely aren't perfect but through it out, we have all stuck together. I love my family so much and have such great relationships with all of them.

Tomorrow is Father's Day and to be honest, this holiday has become a little bitter sweet. First and foremost, I love my dad with all my heart. This is a day where we get to celebrate him as being our daddy and focus on just that. I couldn't imagine my life without him and I am so grateful he was such an active father. I remember at my high school graduation, he was out of town for business. To be honest, it didn't bother me that he might not be there. But what I didn't realize was how much it would mean to me when I walked off that stage and he was there. He flew back for me. And to this day, when I think back to my graduation, that memory of having my dad there means the most.

As for the bitter sweet part of Father's Day? Well, it is the heartbreak I have for my daughter, who's dad isn't exactly in her life right now. Who does she celebrate on this day? Who does she get to give a card too? When she gets a little older, and they make crafts at school, who will she be making hers for? I know she is only two and I pray to God that things will change and she will have the same experiences I have had growing up with an amazing dad.

However, how lucky am I that I have such great men in my family that have stepped up to the plate to be there for her. Last weekend, my little girl slept at my parent's house because I had to work at 6am on Saturday morning. The plan was that I would come over Friday night after work and tuck her in bed. But when I got there, my dad asked if he could take her to the carnival. I was a little hesitant. My dad... taking a crazy two year old to a carnival... all by himself? He wanted to do it, so off they went. This is something he would've done when I was two and I am so grateful that my little girl has her Papa who will take her to do things.

So I guess the definition of a family is irrelevant when it comes to who makes up a family. Me, my little girl and doggy are the perfect family right now. Who knows how we will grow. More dogs? Maybe a cat? Maybe a dad? Maybe a dad with kids? More kids? As long as we have each other, we have it all.

I love my family!

xoxo, Alex

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Destiny


Change your choices and change your world. Change your choices and change your destiny. You have one chance at life-here and now. And you have only this lifetime to get it right.

xoxo, Alex